Most artists have an assistant, even a muse. And often their work reflects that relationship. Chris Tillman had one of each, and both had a hand in helping her create a piece for the Not So Bad Art By Good People fundraiser.
As vice president of the Logan County Landmark Preservation Board, which oversees the Holland Theatre, Tillman has a compelling muse in the beautiful, historic landmark. This inspired her to paint a windmill against a blue background with the block technique.
“I used acrylic paint, frog tape and had a focal point,” Tillman said. “First, I taped off the windmill and painted the background. Then I taped off the background and did the windmill.”
The result is a painting Tillman describes as “an amateur’s good attempt at art.” But she’s satisfied with the effort, especially considering the last time she did anything similar was fifth- grade, when she took second place in an art show. Though that accomplishment meant something to her, Tillman chose to take her creative nature down a more musical path.
“There are only so many periods in the day and you have to make choices, even back in high school,” she admitted.
Still, when Kris Swisher, president of the preservation board, asked her to participate in this year’s Not So Bad Art fundraiser, Tillman was happy to step in. She saw it as a responsibility, yes, but also as something fun for a good cause. She finished in less than the two months allotted and dropped it off last week.
And her assistant? A cat named Lucky. “He was there, all the time, in the way,” Tillman said. “His tail especially.”
Tillman’s work will join that of eight other good people who have submitted art for the sixth annual event, which is presented by the Logan County Art League. All nine pieces are currently on display at Citizens Federal Savings & Loan in Bellefontaine, 100 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, continuing through Friday, Jan. 27.
The community is invited to view the artwork during bank lobby hours and vote for their favorite. Each vote costs $1 and a person can vote as many times as they’d like.
The winner of the community vote will be announced at a dinner Jan. 27 at the Bellefontaine VFW. The evening will conclude with all of the work being auctioned off. Proceeds will go to support Art League activities.